an unfamiliar figure
in the locality, having been through the country for some time raising
recruits for The Blue Bonnets. Major Harrison was not very successful
in his dealings with men, but if he had little influence at home he had
plenty at Ottawa and was sure of his position.

"Here comes Lord Kitchener," remarked Marmaduke. "Better take a good
look at him, Tilly. He'll maybe be goin' to the Front in a year or so,
and you won't see him for a while."

Mr. Holmes looked over his glasses, a flash of appreciation in his
eyes. Since Tommy had gone to the Front his father was on the lookout
for any one who stayed behind under the shelter of a khaki uniform and
Major Harrison was said to belong to that rapidly growing unit.

"Look out, Duke," he warned. "He's a great persuader, he'll have you
in The Blue Bonnets before you know what's happened you."

A joyous resolution suddenly shone in Marmaduke's eyes. He quickly
concealed his peg leg behind a barrel, and leaning back, the picture of
idleness, he drummed on the floor with his one good foot and whistled,
"It's a Long Way to Tipperary."

The Major swung open the door and marched in, followed by his bat man.
He had been but an indifferent business man on a small salary before he
fell upon the fat days of war, but now he had a servant and a position
of authority.

"Good-day, Mr. Holmes," he cried heartily. "Good-day, Miss Tilly,
you're looking as lovely as ever, I see."

Tilly gasped and giggled and took refuge in questioning Gavin as to
whether it was number forty or fifty white spool his Aunt wanted.

"Good-day, sir," cried Marmaduke heartily, suspending his musical
performance for a moment. "Glad to see you. Heard you were gone to
the Front. Glad to see it's a false alarm again."

"_But my heart's right there,_" he added tunefully, keeping time on the
top of a barrel with his fingers.

"How's things going in the Army, Major Harrison?" put in Mr. Holmes,
seeing the Major looking slightly annoyed.

"The Army's growing," answered the officer, pulling off his gloves and
spreading his cold hands over the stove.

"We just need a few more young fellows like you've got hanging round
this corner, and we'll have the Germans driven back to Berlin in
another month or so."

He looked around him sharply. "This is a war where no young chap
that's got red blood in his veins can stay at home." He glanced
meaningly from Gavin to Marmaduke.

Gavin was one of